51 Unprofessional Phrases to Avoid at Work

In the workplace, it’s not just about the quality of your work but also about how you come across. Sounding unprofessional not only reflects poorly on you but also on your company or brand. In this article, we will go through a comprehensive list of 51 phrases that you should avoid using in your daily conversations.

Why You Need to Avoid Unprofessional Phrases

Managers and employers want the best employees working for them. As an employee, you represent the company. As an independent contractor, business owner, or freelancer, you represent your own brand. Sounding unprofessional can be detrimental to your reputation and can affect how others perceive you and your work.

51 Phrases to Avoid at All Costs

1. “I’m not feeling well enough.”
2. “I’m just doing what you told me to do.”
3. “That was my idea!”
4. “No problem.”
5. “I’m a guru.”
6. “I know you have to go, but let me just tell you one more thing.”
7. “It’s our policy.”
8. “Look what I bought!”
9. “I thought of that first!”
10. “Absolutely.”
11. “I’ll start tomorrow.”
12. “Sorry (not sorry).”
13. “Sorry, I forgot.”
14. “Sorry I’m late.”
15. “%$#@^*&”
16. “Full disclosure… “
17. “I’m so hung-over.”
18. “We’ve always done it this way.”
19. “I assume…”
20. “Because I’m the boss.”
21. “Look how much I saved!”
22. “I’m overwhelmed!”
23. “I’m kind of a big deal.”
24. “What will it take to get you to buy?” (“…to get you in this car today”, “…to get you to sign up”, etc.)
25. “It’s probably not very good.”
26. “You’re so smart!” (Any form of sucking up is unprofessional.)
27. “It’s not fair!”
28. “That’s just how it is.”
29. “It’s none of your business.”
30. “Before you say that, let me just say… “
31. “That’s not my job.”
32. “Sucker.”
33. “We’ve got big plans!”
34. “They’ll never notice.”
35. “I can’t forgive.”
36. “That’s nothing.”
37. “Let’s go along in order to get along.”
38. “That’s too hard.”
39. “I already know that.”
40. “You must have read into things.”
41. “I could’ve done it better.”
42. “I’m not impressed.”
43. “That’s a stupid idea.”
44. “Information is a commodity.”
45. “It’ll be OK.”
46. “You wouldn’t understand.”
47. “Know your place.”
48. “Could be… “
49. “I’m not afraid.”
50. “That’s my secret.”
51. “I don’t know why they asked me… “

Why These Phrases Are Unprofessional

These phrases are considered unprofessional for various reasons. Some are petty, some are whiny, and some are downright rude. Let’s take a closer look at why each phrase should be avoided:

1. “I’m not feeling well enough.” – This phrase gives the impression that you are not able to handle your responsibilities.
2. “I’m just doing what you told me to do.” – This phrase shows a lack of initiative and creativity.
3. “That was my idea!” – This phrase comes across as petty and defensive.
4. “No problem.” – This phrase dismisses the other person’s concerns or requests.
5. “I’m a guru.” – This phrase makes you come across as arrogant and overconfident.
6. “I know you have to go, but let me just tell you one more thing.” – This phrase shows a lack of respect for the other person’s time.
7. “It’s our policy.” – This phrase shows inflexibility and an unwillingness to find solutions.
8. “Look what I bought!” – This phrase is irrelevant and takes the focus away from work-related discussions.
9. “I thought of that first!” – This phrase is petty and defensive.
10. “Absolutely.” – This phrase is overused and lacks sincerity.
11. “I’ll start tomorrow.” – This phrase shows procrastination and a lack of commitment.
12. “Sorry (not sorry).” – This phrase is insincere and dismissive of the other person’s feelings.
13. “Sorry, I forgot.” – This phrase shows a lack of responsibility and attention to detail.
14. “Sorry I’m late.” – This phrase shows a lack of respect for others’ time.
15. “%$#@^*&” – This phrase is offensive and unprofessional.
16. “Full disclosure… “ – This phrase can come across as untrustworthy and defensive.
17. “I’m so hung-over.” – This phrase is unprofessional and inappropriate.
18. “We’ve always done it this way.” – This phrase shows inflexibility and resistance to change.
19. “I assume…” – This phrase shows a lack of communication and can lead to misunderstandings.
20. “Because I’m the boss.” – This phrase is dismissive of others’ opinions and shows a lack of collaboration.
21. “Look how much I saved!” – This phrase is irrelevant and can come across as bragging.
22. “I’m overwhelmed!” – This phrase shows a lack of coping skills and can create panic in others.
23. “I’m kind of a big deal.” – This phrase is arrogant and unprofessional.
24. “What will it take to get you to buy?” – This phrase is pushy and can come across as desperate.
25. “It’s probably not very good.” – This phrase shows a lack of confidence in your work.
26. “You’re so smart!” – This phrase is insincere and can come across as sucking up.
27. “It’s not fair!” – This phrase is childish and can create conflict.
28. “That’s just how it is.” – This phrase shows inflexibility and can lead to resentment.
29. “It’s none of your business.” – This phrase is defensive and rude.
30. “Before you say that, let me just say… “ – This phrase shows a lack of collaboration and can create tension.
31. “That’s not my job.” – This phrase shows a lack of flexibility and initiative.
32. “Sucker.” – This phrase is offensive and unprofessional.
33. “We’ve got big plans!” – This phrase is irrelevant and can come across as empty promises.
34. “They’ll never notice.” – This phrase shows a lack of accountability and attention to detail.
35. “I can’t forgive.” – This phrase shows a lack of maturity and can lead to conflicts.
36. “That’s nothing.” – This phrase shows a lack of empathy and can be dismissive of others’ concerns.
37. “Let’s go along in order to get along.” – This phrase shows a lack of integrity and can be seen as compromising.
38. “That’s too hard.” – This phrase shows a lack of determination and an unwillingness to learn.
39. “I already know that.” – This phrase shows a lack of openness and a desire to learn.
40. “You must have read into things.” – This phrase shows a lack of communication and clarity.
41. “I could’ve done it better.” – This phrase is critical and unprofessional.
42. “I’m not impressed.” – This phrase is dismissive and can come across as arrogant.
43. “That’s a stupid idea.” – This phrase is insulting and unprofessional.
44. “Information is a commodity.” – This phrase shows a lack of respect and can create tension.
45. “It’ll be OK.” – This phrase shows a lack of empathy and can be dismissive of others’ concerns.
46. “You wouldn’t understand.” – This phrase shows a lack of communication and can be dismissive of others’ opinions.
47. “Know your place.” – This phrase is rude and disrespectful.
48. “Could be… “ – This phrase shows a lack of clarity and can lead to misunderstandings.
49. “I’m not afraid.” – This phrase can come across as arrogant and unprofessional.
50. “That’s my secret.” – This phrase can create mistrust and is unprofessional.
51. “I don’t know why they asked me… “ – This phrase shows a lack of confidence in your abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to avoid using unprofessional phrases in the workplace. These phrases can create tension, mistrust, and conflict, and can adversely affect your reputation. By avoiding these phrases, you can come across as more professional and competent, and can build better relationships with your colleagues, clients, and customers.